Make a Plan: Community

As a whole, communities can be better prepared for emergencies and disasters when the various segments of that community have disaster plans in place. Individuals and families, businesses, schools, and local governments should make it their responsibility to identify the hazards they face and write emergency plans addressing those hazards and risks. Communication, collaboration, and cooperation between those segments of the community during the planning process will ensure a whole-community approach to emergency response and recovery.

Some communities like to survey their neighborhood for skills and supplies. The problem with these surveys is keeping it current, but the info may still be useful. Here are some Neighborhood Surveys that may help:

• CERT Neighborhood Needs and Skills Survey
• Neighborhood Resource Survey
• Neighborhood Housing and Special Needs Survey
• Volunteer Skills Survey

Get involved with your local Citizen Corps Council/Whole Community Preparedness Coalition, which makes plans for the community. Visit the Get Involved page to find additional programs you would like to get involved with and discover ways to help that program plan with the rest of the community.

Know your local Emergency Management Plans. Contact your local Emergency Manager to find out what the municipal plans are and align you neighborhood or organization plans with them.